Our clients are progressive global brands with a value growth strategy connected to strengthening their brand in a hyper-competitive environment where differentiation and highest relevance is the holy grail. Our project teams are anthropologists, engineers, economists and all sorts of designers working together in an iterative process tailored to each clients challenge.

NINE is a part of the BillerudKorsnäs Group, a publicly traded company and global provider of smarter packaging from renewable materials. We leverage this expertise within material, technology and R&D that inspires future possibilities.

Process

From insight to launch

1. HUMAN & MARKET INSIGHT

1. HUMAN & MARKET INSIGHT

In the insight phase we explore human behavior, attitudes and values with the use of qualitative and ethnographic methods. We do this to understand in which direction people are moving in their lives and what types of problems and dreams they have. By identifying and understanding unmet needs and desires we can help our clients develop future products and services that answer to people’s problems.

Our approach and methods of research are especially useful for clients that need to gain a deeper and more nuanced understanding of people’s behavior. Or when there is a need to understand what lies beneath puzzling results from other research studies. Our services were initially developed for clients with long product development times, like new technical platforms, in order to become better at guessing where their market and consumers would be in 3-5 years and why.

2. BRAND & BUSINESS STRATEGY

2. BRAND & BUSINESS STRATEGY

Our strategic approach is focused on connecting our clients business strategy to the brand strategy and vision. Then discovering and defining the white spaces for developing the product portfolio and create a pipeline of launches from 6 months to 5 years – or up to 15 years for some industrial clients with complex R&D processes. The brand vision is reached by introducing products in a systematic way in line with the vision of where the business and brand will be in 3-5 years. Our visual and practical way of working with the strategic management simplifies implementation.

3. CONCEPT DEVELOPMENT

3. CONCEPT DEVELOPMENT

Based on insight into peoples and markets needs and with a strategic focus on the brand and its future business, we help clients develop strong concepts. Our process and methods secures an inclusion of the existing deep knowledge and experience within our clients' organisation.

The Ideation Workshop and the process of bringing out the best ideas is an art and science in itself. From the preparation of translating insights into inspiring creative platforms and the methods and tools to spark creativity in idea generation – to capturing and funneling the strongest ideas supported by live sketching and sharp descriptions. In preparation for testing and gate decisions we translate the strongest ideas into concepts – by visualising and formulating the ideas that delivers the best on the parameters of human needs and business opportunity.

4. DESIGN & REALISATION

4. DESIGN & REALISATION

Great design is one of the most powerful tools to enhance the perceived value and transform the perception of a branded product or service.

The total brand and product identity is key in influencing the purchase decision; it is the strategic interface between producer and consumer to deliver shelf impact when the consumer first lays her eyes on the product – the first moment of truth. If executed well, it also delivers at the second moment of truth, i.e. when the consumer opens the product at home, to confirm the purchase and to build a strong brand, ensure repeat purchase and ultimately brand loyalty.

At NINE we deliver all design agency services, but we also use design as a powerful tool in the innovation process to visualize strategies at an early stage.